It’s less than two weeks until Christmas! Everything holiday is in full swing… our Christmas shopping is almost done and half of the gifts we’ve purchased are wrapped and ready to go! It’s amazing how so much of Christmas revolves around Christmas gifts…. there’s planning, shopping, wrapping, and exchanging. I would say that for many people, more energy is put into shopping and gift giving than anything else at Christmas time.

In spite of all the generosity and gift-giving going on at Christmas time, we often have a hard time giving to others throughout the year. If we truly believe that it’s more blessed to give than to receive, we ought to be making the effort to give to others all throughout the year…. not just at Christmas time.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the idea of giving has been on my mind a lot lately. Mainly, because as a newlywed, so many people have been willing to give to us, and bless us in both big and little ways. There are so many times I wish we had the means to be able to bless others in the way God has blessed us. Thankfully, having a generous and giving heart doesn’t have to be difficult or even expensive… there are so many little ways that we can give to others!

Following is a list of 15 little ways to give to others…. consider using one of these ideas instead of a Christmas gift, or a couple to do in the coming new year.

15 Little Ways to Give to Others (All Year Round)

1. Call a friend – just to chat. Most of us have some far away friends that would love to hear from us. Give one of your friends a call just to chat or see how they are doing.
2. Write a simple note. Encourage a friend, a significant other, or even an elderly person by jotting them a simple note… include Scripture, encouraging praise, thanks for something they’ve done, etc. (Check out these super cute floral note cards!)
3. Treat a friend to coffee or breakfast. Take a friend out for coffee, breakfast or even lunch, and resist the urge to talk about yourself. Allow your friend to talk – to share her what’s new in her life and to share her heart.
4. Pick up a small gift. If you’re out shopping and you see something you know a friend or family member would love… buy it and surprise them. It doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive, just something small to brighten their day.
5. Send someone a book. Is there a book that you know someone is itching to read? Search for an inexpensive copy on Amazon and have the book sent to their home. Their’s nothing like receiving a surprise package in the mail! (Here’s a list of my favorite books!)
6. Pass on your treasures. Have some old “stuff” that you’re ready to part with? Pass on lightly used books, decorations, or clothes to someone you know would appreciate and use them.
7. Send a simple text. Send a quick text to a friend or family member… just to say hi and let them know you were thinking of them. It might just make their day 🙂
8. Bake a treat. If you know someone loves a sweet or savory treat that you know how to make… why not whip up some extra to share? There’s nothing like receiving a fresh, delicious, and homemade treat.
9. Write a letter. Handwritten letters are fast becoming a lost art. And yet, there’s something really special about receiving a handwritten letter. Pull out a notepad and pen, and send someone a real handwritten letter that’s sure to make their day!
10. Share encouraging Bible verses. If a specific Bible verse has been an encouragement to you, it’s sure to encourage someone else as well. Share Scripture verses online, in a text, or in hand-written note. (Here’s a great list of Bible verses you could share!)
11. Take a photo. When you’re with friends and family, don’t forget to snap some photos to capture those special moments. It takes just a few minutes, and a couple dollars to get the photos printed… so order some and share them!
12. Extend an invitation. Invite an elderly person, a family member or friend to attend something special. Whether it’s a church service, a game, a program, or even dinner at your house… invite someone you know and love to spend time with you.
13. Do something fun with a younger girl. Plan something fun to do with a younger teen or tween. They will love getting to spend time with an older girl, and you can be a godly example to someone who’s younger than you.
14. Offer to babysit. Do you know a young or busy mom who could really use a break? Offer to babysit so they can go out for coffee, get some work done, or simply take a nap!
15. Don’t forget the most important people. The most important people we should serve and give to, are the people who live with us. They are the ones who put up with our unique idiosyncrasies and annoying tendencies… they are the ones who really matter. When planning to bless and give to others, don’t forget about your very own family members – they matter most!

Pretty wrapped gifts are fun to open… but a lot of the things on this list will last a lot longer than a beautifully wrapped Christmas present. This Christmas, and throughout the coming new year…. don’t forget to bless others by your giving.

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

There’s SO Much More!

There are sooo many other ways to give to others. Ways that will truly impact and bless another person’s life…. how else can you give a special blessing to others? Share your thoughts and answers in the comments!

For more ideas, be sure to check out this related post: 100 Little Ways to Bless Others